Rotator Cuff Surgery..UPDATE page 3

[Jennasis]

Oh dear you all have me I have to say though Im very confident in my surgeon, so Im praying it will go well. He told me that I will have to wear a sling outside of my house and to sleep in for about 5 weeks, but as long as im inside I can keep it off and do minor things but definitely nothing heavy at all. He knows that I transcribe and I work from home so I can do this at my leisure and take my time. I have myself planned off work from thursday until tuesday but only have myself planned for 2 hour days the rest of that week. My team leader is really nice and will not have a problem with me taking more time off if I need it, but financially it will be rough. We can do it, just rough. He said that I will have to start pt in about 5 weeks but have to do some simple range of motion stuff the next day. I really do like him a lot, he does all the ortho work for the local minor league baseball team and he specializes in RC surgery. OMG, Im so freaking nervous now!!!

The "simple stuff" caused my DH to pass out cold from pain and shock. The day after surgery, he was supposed to stand up, let his arm hang and make small circles with his arm while leaning over. Just to keep his range of motion going. Well he did the exercise, stood up, looked at me and his eyes did this and then he did this

Out freakin' cold! About 30 seconds later he woke up and looked all confused at me (he was laying on our buffet in the dining room, where he toppled over onto when he passed out). Apparently it hurt so bad his brain just said "Aaaaaand I'm outta here."

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Oh dear you all have me I have to say though Im very confident in my surgeon, so Im praying it will go well. He told me that I will have to wear a sling outside of my house and to sleep in for about 5 weeks, but as long as im inside I can keep it off and do minor things but definitely nothing heavy at all. He knows that I transcribe and I work from home so I can do this at my leisure and take my time. I have myself planned off work from thursday until tuesday but only have myself planned for 2 hour days the rest of that week. My team leader is really nice and will not have a problem with me taking more time off if I need it, but financially it will be rough. We can do it, just rough. He said that I will have to start pt in about 5 weeks but have to do some simple range of motion stuff the next day. I really do like him a lot, he does all the ortho work for the local minor league baseball team and he specializes in RC surgery. OMG, Im so freaking nervous now!!!

Practice typing one handed NOW with your hand on your good arm because that is about all you will be able to do much of after surgery.

I know you like your surgeon but I think he is being overly optimistic. Typing for any length of time requires more than just moving your hands.

 

[Psychodisney]

I'm a PT checking in. First of all don't panic. Every doctor has their own protocol for recovery...some more aggressive, some more conservative. You won't really know what's happening until after the surgery. At that point, you and your doctor will know exactly what the extent of the damage/repair is. Some doctors start passive ROM right in the first few weeks. Others wait until some healing has passed. You will proably be shown a pendulum exercise to start with and not much else. Take the pain meds, they help. I would say that best case scenario, you'll be doing pretty well by 3 months post op. If there is more damage or you tend to be stiff, it will take longer. Good luck! Let me know if I can answer any questions for you.

 

[Mellie2162]

One more question for all of you if you dont mind....how shall I phrase this? Those of you who had this done on your dominant arm, did you have any difficulty with certain everyday tasks involving bathroom hygiene? Sorry, I know its a dumb question but Im so nervous about everything. Tomorrow is the big day and right now I just want to hurl.

 

[DawnCt1]

I'm a PT checking in. First of all don't panic. Every doctor has their own protocol for recovery...some more aggressive, some more conservative. You won't really know what's happening until after the surgery. At that point, you and your doctor will know exactly what the extent of the damage/repair is. Some doctors start passive ROM right in the first few weeks. Others wait until some healing has passed. You will proably be shown a pendulum exercise to start with and not much else. Take the pain meds, they help. I would say that best case scenario, you'll be doing pretty well by 3 months post op. If there is more damage or you tend to be stiff, it will take longer. Good luck! Let me know if I can answer any questions for you.

Hi, this is a bit OT, but if one of your patients was telling you that her hand and wrist hurt worse than her shoulder, the hand was pale and "yellowish", and swollen, would you have thought CRPS or RSD?

 

[Jennasis]

One more question for all of you if you dont mind....how shall I phrase this? Those of you who had this done on your dominant arm, did you have any difficulty with certain everyday tasks involving bathroom hygiene? Sorry, I know its a dumb question but Im so nervous about everything. Tomorrow is the big day and right now I just want to hurl.

DH learned to wipe with his left hand, if that's what you're asking.

I had to help him shower for a while though.

 

[ilovejack02]

dh learned to do everything with his left hand. : ) For the first few days, I made sure his toothpaste was on his tooth brush when he needed it and helped bathe him. Pretty much babied him in every way. It was humorous to watch him eat with left hand.

DH and I were talking about you last night, he said even though it was very painful he is happy he did. The alternative of not getting it and later on losing the shoulder completely is not an option in his book nor mine. In a year you will be glad to have had it done !

Good luck tomorrow and don't forget if they discuss a spinal block with you, TAKE IT !! It will help keep you numb for several hours after surgery.

Try not to worry, this is a very routine surgery, it is amazing how many people we know that have had it.
I will be thinking about you tomorrow!

 

[Mellie2162]

Yes, that's what I was asking, lol. I guess I should have been practicing that but I dont think it will work with my left hand except I have no choice, lol. There is no way I would even consider doing a spinal block. I had one about 16 years ago and it was the worst thing I ever had done.

 

[Psychodisney]

As far as the wrist/hand pain, that is odd. Certainly not typical. Is it cold too? Sensitive to touch? Any numbness/tingling?

 

[ilovejack02]

Yes, that's what I was asking, lol. I guess I should have been practicing that but I dont think it will work with my left hand except I have no choice, lol. There is no way I would even consider doing a spinal block. I had one about 16 years ago and it was the worst thing I ever had done.

My mistake , DH said it is a nerve block , not a spinal block. Not sure the difference. The nurses in recovery say they always can tell who has it done and who doesn't . The ones that do leave recovery happier.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

One more question for all of you if you dont mind....how shall I phrase this? Those of you who had this done on your dominant arm, did you have any difficulty with certain everyday tasks involving bathroom hygiene? Sorry, I know its a dumb question but Im so nervous about everything. Tomorrow is the big day and right now I just want to hurl.

Practice all day today using your non-dominant arm. You'll figure it out and your body will adapt much quicker than you think it will.

I still take my shirt off over my head the same way I did without the use of my right arm - tuck my head down take my left arm and grab the shirt behind the neck and pull it over my head that way without moving my right arm. I noticed that last nite.

Ask for a waterproof pillow to take home with you from the hospital to use in the shower. It helps to hold your arm away from your body. DH had to help with washing my hair but I could manage all the rest on my own.

Eating is fun. You will get used to it quickly. It's not as scary as you think. Just give yourself time to recover and don't try to do too much too quickly or you will regret it later.

Get lots of pillows in the bed and sleep sitting propped up. See if your insurance will pay for an Iceman cooler (you may be sent home with one from the hospital) and keep it stocked with ice. Take your pain meds with food even if you have to nibble saltines. Also make sure that things are moving along stomach/bowel wise in the day or 2 after surgery. The anesthesia shut my system down and that wasn't pretty.

Get lots of rest and take it easy. You'll be fine.

 

[Jennasis]

My mistake , DH said it is a nerve block , not a spinal block. Not sure the difference. The nurses in recovery say they always can tell who has it done and who doesn't . The ones that do leave recovery happier.

Yes, DH had a nerve block. They didn't ask his permission. Just did it...and thank GOD he had it done.

 

[plutolovr]

I'm having shoulder surgery next week, however it's not rotator cuff. I tore my Labrum Ligament, so it's a little different, but I'm sure no less painful. I'm really not looking forward to the recovery, but it needs to be done.

I was in lots of pain last week with it and couldn't lift my arm, (my right arm) so I had some practice doing things like showering and eating with my left arm. It wasn't pretty. I was also in the process of letting my hair grow out and will now have to have it cut very short again before the surgery because I won't be able to blow dry it.

My DH and I are going to Disney at the end of Sept. so I hope I'm feeling lots better by then. I tend to recover quickly from things like this because I workout every day and my muscles are in good shape. Everyone in my Spin class says that they expect to see me the week after my surgery. They are probably right. I've been practicing spinning with one arm this week.

 

[Mellie2162]

Well I made it through but feel like a truck ran me over. Apparently I had a complete tear and he had a bit more to do than originally thought. My husband has been a prince. He's been getting in the shower with me and scrubbing my wounds down and washing my hair. I can do little bits here and there but not too much. I can see its definitely going to be a long road ahead, I hope its worth it. Im laying off the percocet today and sticking with the naprosyn. Hopefully I will be moving around a bit more in a few days.

 

[ilovejack02]

Well I made it through but feel like a truck ran me over. Apparently I had a complete tear and he had a bit more to do than originally thought. My husband has been a prince. He's been getting in the shower with me and scrubbing my wounds down and washing my hair. I can do little bits here and there but not too much. I can see its definitely going to be a long road ahead, I hope its worth it. Im laying off the percocet today and sticking with the naprosyn. Hopefully I will be moving around a bit more in a few days.

Ive been thinking of you , good to hear hubby being so sweet!!
Don't try to be a hero with the meds, if you need it take it!! Hubby was on pain meds for weeks, for Lortab works the best , but as we all know everyone is different.

Sending healing thoughts your way !!

 

[Mommee]

I'm having shoulder surgery next week, however it's not rotator cuff. I tore my Labrum Ligament, so it's a little different, but I'm sure no less painful. I'm really not looking forward to the recovery, but it needs to be done.

I was in lots of pain last week with it and couldn't lift my arm, (my right arm) so I had some practice doing things like showering and eating with my left arm. It wasn't pretty. I was also in the process of letting my hair grow out and will now have to have it cut very short again before the surgery because I won't be able to blow dry it.

My DH and I are going to Disney at the end of Sept. so I hope I'm feeling lots better by then. I tend to recover quickly from things like this because I workout every day and my muscles are in good shape. Everyone in my Spin class says that they expect to see me the week after my surgery. They are probably right. I've been practicing spinning with one arm this week.

Good luck. I went to Disney 7 weeks after my labral repair. I did okay, but Space Mountain killed me I stayed away from anything else that jostled. Just be aware at that point you can't use your arm to pull yourself on/off rides, shuttles, buses, etc. and depending on your surgeon you might still be in a sling. I was in a sling full-time for four weeks, and required to use one for the next two while in public.

 

[plutolovr]

Good luck. I went to Disney 7 weeks after my labral repair. I did okay, but Space Mountain killed me I stayed away from anything else that jostled. Just be aware at that point you can't use your arm to pull yourself on/off rides, shuttles, buses, etc. and depending on your surgeon you might still be in a sling. I was in a sling full-time for four weeks, and required to use one for the next two while in public.

Thanks Mommee. I plan on taking it easy at Disney. We go often so I won't be too disappointed if I have to avoid certain rides. As long as I can ride Pirates and the TTA I'll be a happy camper. I guess I can also go for the lowest score on TSMM .

I had a tummy tuck back in June and I am way more nervous about this surgery then I was about that one. I think it's knowing that I won't have use of my dominant arm for a while that has me on edge. But since I've been dealing with this pain for over a year now it's best to get the surgery and be done with it.

Mellie, glad to hear you're on the road to recovery. Hang in there.

 

[Manda]

Well I made it through but feel like a truck ran me over. Apparently I had a complete tear and he had a bit more to do than originally thought. My husband has been a prince. He's been getting in the shower with me and scrubbing my wounds down and washing my hair. I can do little bits here and there but not too much. I can see its definitely going to be a long road ahead, I hope its worth it. Im laying off the percocet today and sticking with the naprosyn. Hopefully I will be moving around a bit more in a few days.

Did you have an open surgery or arthroscopic? I just had mine fixed last week through arthroscopy. Today's my first day working again (although, I'm working from home and my work is all sitting at the computer). I feel pretty good, but I'm somewhat surprised to learn that typing uses exactly that spot on the back of my shoulder blade where the athroscope went in - it's not terribly comfy.

But just in case anyone else happens upon this with shoulder surgery in the future. The arthroscopic version wasn't bad at all. Honestly, the post surgery pain was barely noticeable after living with the pain of the torn rotator cuff for so long. Kind of a relief, really. I'm 6 days post-surgery right now and the wounds still hurt, but I'm already THRILLED with the results. Even just being a few days after surgery, I'm already able to sleep better than I had in years. And I haven't had any of my normal pains and snaps and catches, etc., from any reaching movements, etc. It's heavenly.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Did you have an open surgery or arthroscopic? I just had mine fixed last week through arthroscopy. Today's my first day working again (although, I'm working from home and my work is all sitting at the computer). I feel pretty good, but I'm somewhat surprised to learn that typing uses exactly that spot on the back of my shoulder blade where the athroscope went in - it's not terribly comfy.

But just in case anyone else happens upon this with shoulder surgery in the future. The arthroscopic version wasn't bad at all. Honestly, the post surgery pain was barely noticeable after living with the pain of the torn rotator cuff for so long. Kind of a relief, really. I'm 6 days post-surgery right now and the wounds still hurt, but I'm already THRILLED with the results. Even just being a few days after surgery, I'm already able to sleep better than I had in years. And I haven't had any of my normal pains and snaps and catches, etc., from any reaching movements, etc. It's heavenly.

That's excellent news!! I would definitely say that the open surgery is much different. I've got a gorgeous 6 inch scar on my shoulder that is about an inch think!! Yuck! I don't notice it but then again it will be 30 years old next year (the scar, not me).

 

[plutolovr]

But just in case anyone else happens upon this with shoulder surgery in the future. The arthroscopic version wasn't bad at all. Honestly, the post surgery pain was barely noticeable after living with the pain of the torn rotator cuff for so long. Kind of a relief, really. I'm 6 days post-surgery right now and the wounds still hurt, but I'm already THRILLED with the results. Even just being a few days after surgery, I'm already able to sleep better than I had in years. And I haven't had any of my normal pains and snaps and catches, etc., from any reaching movements, etc. It's heavenly.
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I had my surgery on Sept. 9. However, I had SLAP surgery. No rotator cuff tear, I had a torn labrum ligament with a ruptured bicep tendon. Mine was all done arthoscopically. I have 5 small incision wounds, all closed up now.

I started PT already and am still in a sling. I get along during the day just fine, but at night I still have a hard time sleeping since I'm a side sleeper and just can't do that right now. The only time I take my percocet is at night also. The small discomfort I feel during the day seems to be magnified at night and feels more like pain.

I started back at the gym on Saturday, but am just doing elliptical and spin classes. My doctor does not know this fact but I'm going to Disney with my DH next week and I need to fit into my shorts.